Amanda is making the idyllic escape to the countryside to find a new life. Ben is picking up the pieces of his life after his wife left. Could a chance encounter outside Amanda’s ‚chic boutique’ set them on the road to renewed happiness? Shop owner Amanda leaves London behind for life in the country and find’s love with local vet Ben in this fun, addictive winner of the Prima Flirty Fiction competition.

Rating: 4/5

„The Chic Boutique on Baker Street” by Rachel Dove was one of the most feel – good books that there are to read. Not too demanding, not too overwhelming but few hours of pure entertainment. I started to laugh out loud already after reading only a few pages and I kept smiling almost all the way through it. Yes, the story started quickly and with a kick but then it lost its impact, it slowed down a little and went a little downhill, but still the storytelling was full of warmth and humour and the book ticked all the boxes for a great read: will they/wont they lovely characters – tick; old life coming back – tick; troublesome family that knows better what is good for you and what’s not – tick; not so obvious romance – tick; brilliant atmosphere and the sense of community – tick, a little drama – tick, an ex – boyfriend from hell – tick… well, whatever you wish for, it was in this book.

There are some great characters in this novel – larger than life but also down – to – earth, with their own problems and anxieties. Amanda needs a change, so after being fired from her job (and we learn soon that it was not her fault and she didn’t make any mistake) she moves to a colourful, lovely Westfield, where people are verrrry close and like to know as much about each other as possible. Or even more. And they’re very friendly – well, all but Ben, the owner of the business next to Amanda’s one, where she sells hand – made items. Ben seems not to want anyone from the city to come to the village and mess up. But then we also have Agatha, who takes Amanda under her wing – although Agatha has her own reasons, namely she plans on making a couple out of Amanda and Ben. But – can one meddle with other lives? Yes, Amanda and Ben were great characters, though there were moments – many, many moments – when I so wanted to bang their heads together! They were so stubborn and they jumped to the wrong conclusions All. The. Time and sometimes I felt really desperate with these two. Because they weren’t saying all the things, they had some secrets of their own and they didn’t open so easily, there were tons of misunderstandings between them, misunderstandings that could easily be explained when they started to talk! Oh, give me their heads to bang, really! I could growl with frustration at them and yet it made me smile as well. Sure, there came a moment that I wanted nothing more as these two to sort the situation out, as there were so many missed opportunities, so many vague hints and I started to think it’s too much already – sometimes it’s better to stop than to wade through messing around even more.

Normally I think I would be outraged with the way the ladies were meddling as I follow the rule live and let live and don’t meddle and keep your nose out of other people’s business, but this time this meddling was incredibly funny, I’d say hilarious, and as I also saw that Ben and Amanda are destined to be together, I was cheering the ladies and keeping my fingers crossed that everything went well with their different plans to bring these two together. And, as they were tough cookies and hard nuts to crack, the ladies didn’t have an easy job, but the author gave as a great insight into why Amanda and Ben were like this, telling us about significant events that happened in their lives that made them so reluctant to open and towards a new relationship. I also liked the glimpses into Amanda’s previous place of work where the ex – boyfriend sleazy Marcus had some problems, ha.

Rachel Dove has in a great way described Westfield and its inhabitants, and her words are full of warmth and sympathy to the place and the characters and it is impossible not to like them all. Even the unpleasant ones. I loved the atmosphere in this story, so cosy and full of friendship and understanding. I adored the setting of this story and the village full of eccentrics, but eccentrics in a positive way, who were at the heart of the village and who loved their place, and who also loved meddling and knowing everything about other people and I loved how well organized the ladies were when it came to communicate about Ben and Amanda – who would have thought it :)You know, sometimes you want to read a book with some troubles but not necessary with earthquakes, not too complicated, where the characters are nice and good – natured, and „The Chic Boutique on Baker Street” is this kind of read.

It was really one of the warmest, nicest reads. It put a smile on my face more than often, and I am still laughing out loud when I think about one of the first scenes with the dogs and Sebastian. Rachel Dove’s writing style is light and so easy to follow and she is a great storyteller. Sure, it was not a life – changing novel, more on the predictable side and you could have tell from the beginning how it’s going to end, but it was a feel – good read, so easy – going and there were some brilliant one – liners and really, and I am looking forward to reading more from Ms Dove.

BE SURE TO CHECK THE OTHER STOPS ON „THE CHIC BOUTIQUE ON BAKER STREET” BLOG TOUR!

(Guys, I’ve just realised that I’ve made mistake and I should have posted my review yesterday. I have no idea how it happened, it is the first time that I mixed up the dates – I hope that all involved are going to forgive me for this mistake, I promise it will never happen again)

Take a chance on a new life and maybe you’ll find your happy ever after. Because true love is always worth the risk…

Handsome prince, beautiful house, fabulous job? Polly has none of these. All she has to her name is a string of failed relationships and she’s up to her ears in debt. She sees herself as a hopeless case and would do anything to change her luck.

Simon is approaching the big 50. He’s off his game at work, his kids don’t seem to notice he exists and his wife seems to think he’s made of money. As for sex …what’s that?

So when the opportunity comes for both of them to swap their lives for a life of luxury, they jump at the chance. For Simon a life of helicopters, fast cars and hot babes beckons. For Polly, it’s all diamonds, spa days and celebrity parties. What more could they want?

Trouble is, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Is life in the fast lane more than either of them can cope with?

Rating: 4/5

I love stories with swaps, I just love them, no matter if they’re books or films. Well, at least I assumed that „Life Swap” is about…. yes, life swap As this novel is by Carol Wyer, whose books I’ve read before and highly appreciated, I didn’t even read the synopsis before I requested it on NetGalley. I thought, well, Carol Wyer, so I am for sure for a real treat, a clever, intelligent, funny read with a twist. However, very quickly after starting the read I also started to panic and I was thinking, what the hell (pun NOT intended!)? What is this pile of whingeing, sad characters? I was SO CLOSE to put it away, to be honest, but I kept reading, having in mind the author and hoping for something to change. You must really bide your time, as more as the first 30% of this book is really hard to plough through.

But. As soon as we were introduced to the devils, the story really kicked off!

And oh my word, I’ve so often wished I could swap places with someone! But after reading the book I think I’ll stop wishing it However, Simon and Polly went for this, and the results were sometimes hilarious and sometimes dramatic. This time the characters don’t know each other, have nothing in common, except of feeling their lives are miserable and wondering if it’s ever going to be any better and if they can do something to change it. While Polly is up to her nose with debts and failing relationships, Simon is on the verge on the mid – life crisis, having a feeling that he’s not appreciated, that he’s not good at his job, that he’s not needed anymore. Sounds familiar, right? I think we all have been there, seen this, so the characters are relatable and believable, though their whingeing and unhappiness was overwhelming. Nevertheless, there couldn’t be a better thing than a life swap, right…? To have no financial worries, to have a wardrobe full of designer clothes, to have a wife who will do anything for you…? Well, as they say, the grass is not always greener on the other side and appearances can be deceiving.

I had some problems with Polly, I must admit. In the first part of the story she – apart of whingeing and being unhappy all the time – seemed to be a real doormat, and the way the author described her she allowed people to trample over her, let them to undermine her and it felt as if she didn’t have her own opinion on anything. However, after swapping the lives the whole new Polly was presented to us: assertive, self – confident, knowing what she wants from life and somehow it just didn’t sit with me, it didn’t fit in, she changed life and not personality, right? Altogether, the characters were mostly unhappy, with themselves, with their lives, with their families and jobs and blamed everything and everyone for this situation. It was really hard to get to like them at the beginning, you know?

However, the big twist at the end of the book could have totally spoil the book for me, as I really wasn’t sure what to think about it. At first, I was so outraged on behalf of the characters, personally I felt deceived and was really curious what the characters are going to do with this. I must admit, I was a little surprised that they took it in such relaxed way, I’m not sure what would be my reaction. But okay, it’s their decision and I won’t be judging them. I guess that they’ve just felt relief.

Also, the returns to the past were the parts that I didn’t like. At all. It was like in films, when the main characters suddenly remember about something and you can see the pictures somewhere above their heads, in a cloud, but it was a book, not a film, and it just a) in my opinion didn’t bring anything new to the story, b) walked us away from the main plot, c) slowed down the already slow pace. I understand the need to describe the characters’ lives in a dullest way possible, to show us the smallest details of their existences so that we can know the background and understand the reasons they decided to go for the swap. But the first third of the story was only about people complaining about their lives and it was really hard to get into the book, to like the characters. I felt depressed sometimes with the situations, with Polly and Simon, and also desperate and a little annoyed that they only complain an do nothing to change this what they don’t like. And it felt like for ever, like never – ending complain list, and these flashbacks have dragged the pace down even more. What was worse, even after the swap, when it finally, eventually took place, Simon and Polly were still unhappy. But – and please, trust me here – you must go through the 35 or something per cent of the story and then you can just go with the flow and let the author to take you on a brilliant adventure with fantastic, incredibly funny demons. I loved the demons. They were the best part of the book, I think.

Sure, this book is one big lesson for us, but lesson written in a very pleasant, not too patronizing way. We can think that other people are better than us, have better lives than ours but at the end of the day it is really your life, your choices, your family that matter. The other things can be so shiny, can look so impressive but it’s only the surface, and underneath it is also full of troubles and secrets, maybe of different kind to ours, but they’re still there – and we know these things, right? But it’s nice to be reminded to appreciate what we have, and Polly and Simon also begin to realise what they can lose.

But, you know, on the whole, when you forget about the beginning and the flashbacks, I absolutely enjoyed the book. It was a great story, very cleverly plotted, intelligent and the humour there was of the highest class. Once the swaps happened, it was a different kind of story that I adored and when reading it was thinking thanks god it’s not me! The consequences of the swaps were brilliant – for the reader, of course, as the characters wanted out as quick as possible, but you must read it for yourself and see why they wanted out – it was hilarious! The book really got going after the swaps and it was full of surprises till the end. You must just allow the author to take you on a rollercoaster ride and expect the unexpected. It’s a hilarious, sometimes unbelievable yet believable story that made me laugh and roll my eyes and I was really surprised at the end how much I enjoyed it. It’s a unique, smart take on normal people with normal lives. Sure, sometimes over the top, too far – fetched but somehow it just suited this novel and went brilliantly with the plot. But next time when I’ll complain about my own life or will want to compare it to this of other people, I’ll be very careful what I wish for…

by Carole Matthews

The ladies of The Chocolate Lovers’ Club should be gearing up for the wedding of the year but life keeps getting in the way . . .

Lucy is worried about her financial situation and it keeps distracting her. Should she accept an offer of help from an untrustworthy source?

Nadia may have a real chance at finding love but other areas of her life aren’t so rosy. Something needs to change – but what?

Autumn can’t wait to meet someone she hasn’t seen in a very long time. She’s full of hope for the future but then things don’t exactly go to plan . . .

Chantal has been through so much and she’s finally starting to feel settled. The last thing she needs is the kind of bad news that could change her life all over again.

And yet, despite all the ups and downs, the Chocolate Lovers’ ladies know they can get through it all as long as they have each other. They’re not going to let anything get in the way of their happy-ever-afters in . . . The Chocolate Lovers’ Wedding.

Rating: 5/5

Carole Matthews’ books never fail to entertain me. They are like a comfort blanket – you can be sure that when you reach for them you’ll feel warm, comfortable and understood. Ms Matthews is a great storyteller, she creates larger than life characters and brings all the places and settings to life. She has such a way of writing her characters that they feel realistic and often I found myself smiling with them or laughing with them, but first of all I was rooting for them, and this is why I was so impatiently waiting for „The Chocolate Lovers’ Wedding” to be published!

It was really lovely to see the girls from the Chocolate Lovers’ Club again, and I didn’t have any problems to get into the story immediately, to pick up where we left the friends off in the last book. Quickly, we learn there are some really big decisions to be made, and there are life – changing events to come. And this time Ms Matthews really added a lot of events to the story – there was all the time something happening and she effectively and successfully kept me on my toes. She also threw some surprises on our poor, not expecting it heads, and it was really great not to be able to see what’s coming next. One of the biggest surprises was the fact that Lucy was not longer working in Chocolate Heaven because I thought no matter what (ie.: Marcus) she’s going to stay there, and now she’s so miserable and she misses her shop that’s going belly up with the new French manager. Lucy, as usually, was the cause of many, many embarrassing situations, of many, many unsuitable plans, but also Lucy rose to the challenge more than once in this story. Sure, you can never be sure with Lucy – is Marcus going to persuade her to come back to Chocolate Heaven? What would Crush say? Will Crush and Lucy get married or are there some unexpected things going to happen? The we have Nadia, the lovely Nadia whose life isn’t bed of roses and who is going to be forced to make some very life – changing decisions after she’s been mugged on the street. But after years of living alone, after her past, she still can’t open herself totally to new chances, to find out that there might be a man who truly loves her – on the other hand, is Nadia ready to live her old life behind, to leave her friends and sister and move far away? There is so much warmth in Nadia, just like in all the girls, but I don’t know, there is something so very special in this woman that made me root for her. There are also changes in Autumn’s life. She is in a happy relationship but there are two great burdens that overweigh her – the situation with her parents and the daughter that she was forced to give up for adoption years ago. She’s living in hope that they’ll meet one day – will they? And what happens when they meet? Autumn is a person with a heart made of gold and she wants only good things to happen to their friends and beloved, but she’s not boring in all this, no way! What I so adored in her was the fact that she eventually came out of her comfort zones and wasn’t afraid of confrontations, she just seemed a little more brave and determined and it suited her very much. This time life is also testing our Chantal. She eventually came to terms with the fact that she’s now a single mum, especially as there is Jacob and their relationship is going from strength to strength and well, yes, it seems that finally peace set in. That is, until she gets a health scare… a very serious health scare. What now? What with Lana, her new life, Jacob…? Will she find her happily ever after at last?

I don’t know why but I had a feeling that this book is so very genuine and honest, so much more true and serious about feelings and life experience, but of course written with a lot of humour. The author has brilliantly mixed the very important, serious issues with lightness and fun and it worked out really great. This story just felt so touching and believable, as really all the things could happen to any of us, and it was written in a way that pulled at all the right heartstrings. Moreover, the author has done a brilliant job with dealing with such things as cancer or adoption and was able to put into words the most hidden feelings that people feel when they have to deal with these issues, and she did it with a lot of understanding and gentleness.

Life changes but the only constant thing in the girls’ lives is there: chocolate But also, and I personally find it one of the loveliest things in the book, the overwhelming feeling of friendship and acceptance is always there. The girls can count on each other, they support each other in all situations and there were really very touching moments in this story – and they are there to support the others even if life is not only laughs and fun but also health and money troubles and when some serious decisions have to be made.

There is still so much potential in the girls, there can still happen so much and I really hope that Carole Matthews won’t stop writing about the Chocolate Lovers’ Club, and I’m saying it not only because I LOVE chocolate! Yes, the author has answered a lot of questions and nicely wrapped up some of the open ends but nevertheless, I still feel there is a space for more!!!

What I so liked in this book is that it’s so realistic. It is not always a bed of roses for our girls, they have problems and sometimes these are really big problems, and even though it is supposed to be a rom com, the author isn’t afraid to throw a curveball for our heroines, to put them at crossroads, to make their lives complicated and not so easy and straightforward. I don’t want the characters that I like to suffer but in my eyes these things make them feel more realistic and bring them even more to life. „The Chocolate Lovers’ Wedding” is truly a great story with a heart and I can’t recommend it enough!

GIVEAWAY

As a part of the Blog Tour I had a pleasure of not only reviewing this brilliant novel but I also have a very special treat for you – namely, you can win the whole CHOCOLATE LOVERS’ series and that includes: The Chocolate Lovers’ Club, The Chocolate Lovers’ Diet, The Chocolate Lovers’ Christmas and of courseThe Chocolate Lovers’ Wedding. To be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize, simply enter the Rafflecopter. You can also RT the pinned tweet on Twitter (@Agi_mybookshelf). The competition is open for UK and Ireland only, I’m afraid.

The boat masts jangled louder and louder. Above their heads, black clouds gathered. Polly shivered, and then the rain started to fall: plop, plop, plop.

Polly is waiting for something important to happen. But waiting is hard. It’s even harder when it’s raining and you can’t go outside…

Can Polly find enough to do to keep busy ALL day? And what will happen when her puffin friend, Neil, decides to fly off into the storm?

Perfect for bedtime stories and early readers. From the author of The Little Beach Street Bakery.

Contains recipies, activities and rhymes in addition to the story.

Rating: 5/5

We – it means yours truly and my daughter Sophie – are great fans of Neil. I’ve started to adore him reading Jenny Colgan’s „adult” novels and Sophie totally fell in love with him after reading the first book about him, „Polly and the Puffin”, so we were both really excited when our copy of „Polly and the Puffin: 02 The stormy Days” arrived. I think I don’t have to mention that after opening the envelope I was forced to drop everything, forget everything I planned to do and read the book to Sophie. Not once. And not twice… Let’s not start the counting, let me tell you that you can see our book was read. Often.

We both loved to see Neil and Polly again, and also the very patient Mummy, too. It was easy enough for my 4 – year – old to understand it and the beautiful illustrations really help. There are also, like in the first book, some activities at the end of the book and we’ve already made the little boat. It is written in such a warm, adorable way that the pages turn themselves, and reading it loud to your child is a real fun, as it is so rhythmic. What I, as mum, totally adored, is the fact that Jenny Colgan „smuggles” here some important and strong messages and the way how beautifully and effortlessly she captures the relationship between mum and daughter. It is again a charming, sweet story that I myself am reading with a pleasure, and my daughter loves – so really a perfect little book!

Aaaah, guys, I am so excited to have Juliet Ashton today on my blog! Juliet’s last book „These Days of Ours” was one of my favourite reads this year, it was in fact my first Book of the Month this year, and you can read here why I loved this book so much. Believe me, you don’t often keep such a gem of a book in your hands, so if you haven’t read this novel yet, please drop everything you do and go and buy it!

And I am really, absolutely thrilled to have persuaded Juliet to answer some of my questions about the book – and thank you so much for this, lovely Juliet! Here is Q &A with this brilliant Author:

1. I know that authors hate this question, but as „These Days of Ours” was such a complex, emotional book I would really love to know what inspired you to write this particular story?

I don’t hate this question. It’s the one I always want to ask other authors! The ‚spark’ of the story came from a relationship within my family which is very similar to the one between Kate and Becca. I was fascinated by the way my aunts chose one of my cousins to be the ‚beautiful’ one of the family, and never expected anything more from her, such as exam results or a decent job. Getting married was her job! This cousin is also incredibly bossy and interfering, but so good hearted it’s impossible not to love her. From this, the rest of the book just grew.

2. There are wonderful, true to life characters in your book, characters that you want to talk to and that you root for – are they totally fictional or are they based on real people?

As above, the dreadful Becca is based on a relative (who never reads any of my books so I should get away with it …) Kate has aspects of me, probably the aspects that most annoy me. For example, I do hold back when I should just leap, and I’ve seen how that has affected my life, so it was easy to put that into Kate’s story. Kate’s dad is more or less my dad – he really was that sweet and gentle and loving. Plus, I’m afraid, my parents were quite mismatched, although without the simmering tensions I’ve put in the book. Aunty Marjorie is all my wonderful Irish aunties rolled into one. Charlie is a little bit of one friend, a little bit of another. I worked very hard on making Charlie realistic and loveable – the sort of man you really would like to marry, as opposed to a Romantic Hero.

3. How carefully did you plan the novel in advance?

Very very carefully. I’ll add another very: very very very carefully.

4. What was your most and least favourite aspect of writing this book?

The best part was writing parties. They are so brilliant for getting all your characters into one room, plus the party feeling rubbed off on me. My least favourite – or, to put it another way, – the part I found most difficult was making sure that the passage of years rolled by smoothly, without leaving readers behind or confusing them.

5. What is your favourite scene in the novel? (I personally had plenty. PLENTY).

I’d love to know what your favourite scenes are!

I was very happy with the hospital scene between Kate and her father. I wanted it to be tender and true to life, without being depressing. The language flowed very easily, and I was totally involved. I wrote that scene so fast!

I also loved writing the Christmas party dinner at Angus’s club. I could really see the crackling fire and the panelled walls. The dialogue was easy, as all the characters had plenty to say. Plus, there was an important flashback right at the beginning which carried a lot of plot. Besides all that, I knew the lovely day would end darkly ….

6. You are writing under different pen names. Is it hard to keep on track and in what way do the books differ from each other?

I agree – I find it hard to keep track too!

For the moment there are no more Bernadette Strachan novels, although I might revive the name at some point. My Claire Sandy novels are pure chick lit, albeit with an emphasis on family life. There’s a farcical element to some of it, lots of romance and laughs. Juliet Ashton writes slightly more mature works, with deeper emotional content. Although there are a few giggles along the way too!

7. There are already raving reviews for „These Days of Ours” – What do people love most about this book? What do you love about it?

Readers have zoomed in on the Kate/Becca friendship. It seems to remind them of similar relationships in their own lives, plus everybody likes to boo a baddie, and Becca is certainly worth a boo or two. I love the book – is it OK to say you love your own book?! – because it talks about true love in a realistic fashion. People behave foolishly and badly, but they’re forgiven because they’re human. Deep down, the love doesn’t waver.

8. What did you want your readers to take away from your story?

The same I always want readers to take away – some smiles, one or two tears and a feeling that they’re not alone, that we’re all in this together.

Behind every successful man is a busy assistant and Tina’s boss is very successful.

But Tina is tired of being overworked and underpaid. She’s bored of her damp flat and her mounting debts. Then a blip in the expenses system sends Tina a cheque. She’s a good person. But she’s desperate. This isn’t stealing. It’s an administrative error. Right?

What would you do if you thought you’d get away with it?

Rating: 3/5

OK, guys, „The Assistants” by Camille Perri was one of my most anticipated releases this year. Honestly. I was intrigued by the synopsis, and it sounded so thought – provoking and I really couldn’t wait for my copy to finally, eventually arrive. There was such a buzz going about this book on Twitter, and I didn’t wait long to dig deep into it when I’ve received it. I started reading it so full of expectations and so incredibly curious how the author has pulled off this rather controversial and not so easy to handle topic.

Tina Fontana is a PA to media mogul Robert Barlow, and she’s loyal to him – she would never do anything to harm him or that could end with losing his trust. That is, until one day, because of a mix – up in refunding expenses, she ends with a double back payment for almost 20 thousand dollars. It is the amount of her student loan that she has such problems to pay back, what with her being on an assistant’s salary. So – what now? To do or not to do? OK, already from the synopsis we know that it’s „to do”, but the question now is, what next? Is anybody going to discover this fraud? And can Tina live like this? Would her conscience allow her?

You know, Tina – with or without taking this chance – was a really nice person and I’m not going to get mixed up here in some moral considerations about her. She was sharp and independent and had a great sense of humour. Slightly naive, very good natured and hard – working and I really kept my fingers crossed for her, and couldn’t believe when, in style of Dumb and Dumber, she started to tangle up into almost a pyramid – scheme. She was really not bad, she was not a thief and I think it is normal to dream about a better life. But, it’s the way how you achieve this dream life, that’s for sure. But liking her didn’t stop me from seeing that she also felt a little flat – she was super passive and let the things around her just happen, and went with everything she was told, even though she didn’t agree. And what I didn’t enjoy so much was the fact that the characters were so stereotypical: the über – rich mogul, the poor assistants, only men with better jobs.

I took the whole money thing in a relatively relaxed way, to be honest. We are supposed to be on Tina’s side only because her boss is a real mogul who spends thousands of dollars on his wife jewellery when he loses his bet, an amount that would pay Tina’s debt, but the author tries to complicate the things for us a little showing Robert as a normal man who is doing his own BBQ and making us like him more. Sure, I was a little conflicted about this whole situation because a) I could understand Tina and the unfairness of the system, b) no matter how much money you have and who you are people shouldn’t steal from you, but altogether, it didn’t make me feel shocked or something like that. And, to be honest, the thing with paying, it was maybe funny, thrilling and to digest for the first or second time, but when it started to get out of control and new people came, interested in this kind of cheating, I could only roll my eyes and sigh in disbelief. How much Robin Hood – like can you be with money that is not yours and risk so much?

What I really liked in this book is Camilla Perri’s writing style – it’s sharp, no – nonsense and light. Sure, next to this lightness and humour that author also touches upon issues of injustice, inequity and indirectly asks how come people who went through colleges and universities end with thousands of dollars loans while people who can’t book a plane ticket without their help can sleep on their money. It’s a fast – paced story but the message is not always so optimistic: you steal. You get away with it. You steal more. I really wanted to leave this moral aspect of this story aside, however, after leaving it aside, without judging the characters, the book seems a little bland, a little confusing, a little chaotic. Yes, it delivers some romance (that didn’t work for me, at all, it was too unbelievable), it delivers some funny moments, but there is not enough depth for my liking. And let’s be honest – the whole idea of the plot, the fraud, it does seem a little unbelievable, right? I’m not sure how corporations work but I am sure that they check every cent twice so discovering the fraud would be only a matter of time. Then the quick idea with the website – I haven’t heard of such thing, to be honest, I can’t even imagine how such thing should work and for how long, and I had a feeling that Emily had other plans for this money, no? It’s really complicated, because as much as I liked the characters, or rather grow to like them, when you steal than you should be punished, right? And not go away with it… Stealing is stealing. Oh damn, I’m really torn about it book I wanted to love it but I liked it, I’ve spotted there a lot of potential, the author found the courage for a rather very controversial plot and I really appreciate that, as I like the books to be not so straightforward. However, I missed this „something” that makes novel exceptional, and like I’ve already mentioned it before, the characters went away without being punished, and I wasn’t expecting them being put into the prison for twenty years or something, but it looked like they – maybe with the exception of Tina – didn’t learn any lesson and would do it again. But guys, I’d say, read the book for yourself and you’ll see for yourself what it is about.

Portia MacIntosh is the author of already six novel, and the newest one was published only last week, on 11th April. It’s called „Truth or Date” and if you haven’t read it yet, please do it and thank me later for recommendation. Seriously. It is a really brilliant, laugh – out – loud novel with some great one – liners and you can read my review here. Portia was also so, so nice and to celebrate the release has written a Guest Post on her Dating History, which personally I find hilarious! Thank you, Portia, and you guys enjoy!

My dating history: The good, the bad and the ugly

When I sat down to write my latest novel, Truth or Date, I had just spent a year playing the dating game, so I had lots of experience to draw upon.

My book focuses around the life of Ruby Wood, a twenty-something playing the dating game. She has a red-hot dream about her very attractive flatmate, Nick, but even though he spends every day saving lives as a junior doctor, he’s absolutely the last man on earth that fun-loving Ruby would ever date. The solution? Focus on all of Nick’s bad points. And if that fails, up her dating antics and find herself a man! So what if she manages to make disapproving, goody two-shoes Nick jealous in the process…

Ruby goes on a few nightmarish dates while on her quest for true love – something I expired myself, so I thought I’d share with you my ultimate good, bad and ugly dates.

The Ugly

My first Tinder date was absolutely horrendous. They guy was significantly shorter than he claimed to be (not that I care about stuff like that) and the first thing he did was have a go at me for wearing heels. He proceeded to repeatedly try and push me over “for fun”, unzip the back of my dress to make it fall off and forcibly kiss me fifteen minutes into our date.

The Bad

I dated a guy so boring, we just sat in silence for the whole date. When he tried to kiss me, as much as I wasn’t really fancying him, I thought I’d give him the benefit of the doubt (‘maybe he’s just nervous?’) and I figured it would at least fill the silence with something, but he thought it was sexy to keep biting me – hard. Not sexy at all, FYI.

The Good

I’d been on so many bad dates that I’d actually started to expect them all to be horrible, so as devastatingly handsome and as charming as the guy was that I was seeing was, I didn’t expect to be anything but disappointed, because that’s how dates go, right? But we went for cocktails, we sat outside and chatted all night, working out way through he menu, laughing, flirting… I couldn’t get over how easy he was to be around and how happy and comfortable I felt in his presence. A fluke, I thought; no one could be so wonderful. On another date, he took me to the most beautiful park where we walked around in the sunshine and rolled around in the grass – I didn’t think that date could’ve been any more perfect until a few months later, when he told me that’s where his parents got married. I thought that was really sweet.